JP2009504068A - Apparatus for providing a multi-screen and a method for dynamically configuring the multi-screen - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a multi-screen and a method for dynamically configuring the multi-screen. A signal processing module, a service processing module for generating a logical screen representing the restored service, and an output module for arranging the generated plurality of logical screens in different positions in the output screen. Has attribute information indicating whether it is displayed on the output screen.

Description

  The apparatus and method according to the present invention relates to a multi-screen configuration, and more particularly to a dynamic configuration of a plurality of screens providing a plurality of contents on a physical display screen.

  In a related art broadcast receiver such as a digital TV or a digital set-top box, only one content is displayed on one physical display screen, or two screens of a main screen and a sub screen are displayed on one physical display screen. In general, the screen is displayed at the same time.

  At this time, even if the main screen and the sub-screen are shown at the same time, the two screens can be arranged only by some methods already determined by the transmission / reception apparatus. Only in the case of the content shown on the main screen, all elements (video, audio, data, or a combination thereof) that make up the content are played back, and only some elements that make up the content are limitedly limited through the sub-screen. Played.

  In addition to broadcasting services such as satellite broadcasting, terrestrial broadcasting, and cable broadcasting, as a source for providing content, a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or an external device connected to an external input terminal is used. However, how to display the content provided from such various sources on the display screen is also limited and fixed.

  On the other hand, in an application program environment for an interactive TV such as MHP (Multimedia Home Platform), ACAP (Advanced Common Application Platform), and OCAP (Open Cable Application Platform), a screen generally output through a physical display screen is used. Assuming that

For example, an application program environment for an interactive TV employs a user interface (UI) structure based on the HAVi (Home Audio / Video Interoperability) standard.
Although the UI standard does not limit the number of screens, in actual use it is common to assume that there is only one screen output through the display screen.

  In such an environment, a plurality of contents are shown through a plurality of independent screens, and at the same time, the contents represented on each screen are subjected to decoding, digital signal processing, user interaction processing, etc. In addition, it is difficult to control the life cycle and resource usage of application programs for each screen.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a method that can provide various contents on a display screen in various ways.

  An object of the present invention is to dynamically configure a plurality of screens that provide a plurality of contents on a physical display screen.

  To achieve the above object, an apparatus for providing multiple screens according to an embodiment of the present invention receives video information, audio information, or data information, and provides a service based on the video information, the audio information, or the data information. A digital signal processing module for restoring, a service processing module for generating a logical screen representing the restored service, and an output module for mapping the plurality of generated logical screens at different positions in an output screen; , And the logical screen includes attribute information indicating whether to be displayed on the output screen.

  In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus for providing multiple screens according to an embodiment of the present invention generates a logical screen on which a service is represented, associates the generated logical screen with the service, and A service processing module that generates an output screen on which the generated logical screen is represented; and an output module that maps the generated logical screen to a predetermined area in the output screen, the logical screen including the output Has attribute information indicating whether it is displayed on the screen.

  In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus for providing a multi-screen according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a digital signal processing module that receives video information, audio information, or data information to restore a service, and the restored A service processing module for generating a logical screen representing a service; and an output module for mapping the generated logical screen to a predetermined area in the output screen, wherein the logical screen is indicated on the output screen. It has attribute information indicating whether or not.

  To achieve the above object, a method for dynamically configuring multiple screens according to an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a video information, audio information, or data information to restore a service; and Generating a logical screen to represent; and mapping the generated plurality of logical screens in different positions in an output screen, wherein the logical screen is shown on the output screen It has attribute information that represents.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for dynamically configuring multiple screens according to an embodiment of the present invention includes generating a logical screen on which a service is represented and an output screen on which a plurality of logical screens are represented. Mapping the generated logical screen to a predetermined area in the generated output screen, the logical screen having attribute information indicating whether it is displayed on the output screen.

  Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. However, the present embodiments completely disclose the present invention and provide those skilled in the art with the scope of the present invention. It is provided for completeness of the description and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to a block diagram or a processing flowchart for explaining a device for providing a multi-screen according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method for dynamically configuring the multi-screen. At this time, it can be understood that each block in the process flowchart drawing and the combination of the flowcharts are performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be installed on a general purpose computer, special purpose computer or other programmable data processing equipped processor, so that instructions performed through the computer or other programmable data processing equipped processor are shown in the block diagram of the flowchart. A means for performing the function described in is generated. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the function in a particular manner. Instructions that are available or stored in computer readable memory may also produce manufactured items with instruction means that perform the functions described in the blocks of the flowchart. The computer program instructions can also be mounted on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment. Instructions for generating a process to be performed and performing a computer or other programmable data processing equipment may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the blocks of the flowchart.

  Each block may also represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in the block can occur out of order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be performed in reverse order depending on the function to which they are sometimes applied.

  On the other hand, in order to facilitate the explanation of the present invention, a basic concept related to the present invention is defined.

  'Service' is multimedia content expressed as a single unit, and a plurality of service components form one service.

  The “service component” is a part constituting a service, and includes a video component, an audio component, a data component, and the like. At this time, the data component indicates an application program existing in the service.

  The “service context” includes various resources, devices, execution state information, and the like related to the execution of the service, and represents an object that can control the execution of the service.

  The 'display screen' means a physical device in which the service content is actually expressed, an external output port from which the service content is output, or a storage device in which the service is stored.

  An 'output screen' is a screen that is actually output on the display screen, and any service is set directly on the output screen and expressed through the display screen, or at least one mapped to a certain area of the output screen The above logical screen is output through the display screen.

  The 'logical screen' is a space in which an arbitrary service is expressed, and exists only virtually in the memory before being mapped to the output screen, and is not actually displayed on the display screen.

  In addition, the logical screen and the output screen can be composed of a combination of a background still image, a video raster, and a graphic raster, where a graphic raster is a combination of text, lines, colors, and images. , Video frames can be mixed and provided.

  'Main service' means a service selected by the user through a menu or remote control shown on the display screen, or an application selected as a main service through an API (Application Program Interface). Called 'screen'.

  'PiP (Picture-in-Picture) service' means a service that a user selects through a menu or remote control that appears on a display screen, or an application that is selected as a secondary service in a main screen through an API. It can be expressed through a PiP screen 'or main screen.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, a “PiP screen” can simultaneously occupy a screen that occupies a partial area in another screen and an area that does not overlap with another screen as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F. 1G and 1H, and can be understood in terms of a concept including a screen that overlaps with another screen at any position and area on the display screen as shown in FIGS. 1G and 1H.

  FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a relationship between a logical screen and an output screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, a service is represented through logical screens 210, 212, and 214, and such a logical screen may be mapped and represented on output screens 220, 222, and 224 by a predetermined mapping block 230.

  At this time, the output screen referenced by 220 is represented by mapping the logical screens referenced by 210 and 212, and the output screen referenced by 222 is the logical screen referenced by 212 and 214. The output screen referred to by 224 is represented by mapping the logical screens referenced by 210, 212, and 214.

  In this way, at least one or more logical screens on which services are represented can be mapped to any area of the output screen by mapping block 230.

  Meanwhile, the mapping block 230 may be understood as a collection of various information for mapping the logical screen and the output screen. Examples of such information include coordinate information of the area where the logical screen is mapped to the output screen, identification information for distinguishing the logical screen and the output screen, information about the order in which multiple logical screens are represented on the output screen, and the like. Can be included. The mapping block 230 is implemented by an interface, a function, or the like created and performed in various computer program languages, and can generate or change the relationship between the logical screen and the output screen using the above information as a parameter.

  The mapping block 230 may be implemented in hardware so as to perform a mapping function between the logical screen and the output screen.

  The service provided from various sources is represented on the output screen and can be output through the display screen, which is shown in FIG.

  In general, there are sources providing services such as terrestrial broadcasting 320 and cable broadcasting 330, and services stored in a predetermined recording medium such as PVR (personal video recorder) 340 are provided. There are also sources to provide. Further, although not shown in FIG. 3, a source that provides a service through a wired or wireless network may be included.

  At this time, the broadcast receiving apparatus 310 receives services from such a source, and generates a logical screen representing each service.

Then, according to a predetermined scheme, a scheme set by the user or application, any service is set directly on the output screen and expressed through the display screen, or at least one or more mapped to a certain area of the output screen A logical screen is output through the display screen 350. In FIG. 3, terrestrial broadcast 320, cable broadcast 330, and PVR
It shows that the service provided by 340 is expressed through the display screen 350.

  In FIG. 3, terrestrial broadcasting 320, cable broadcasting 330, and PVR 340 are illustrated as examples of sources that provide services. However, sources that provide services are not limited to this, and multi-sources that are expressed as one unit. If media content is provided, it can be included in the source in the present invention.

  On the other hand, services in the present invention include abstract services and non-abstract services, which are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.

  An abstract service is not a service that is transmitted in real time from a broadcast signal, but is an independent service for a broadcast channel, and is formed of only a data component, that is, an application program, without a video component and an audio component among service components. Service is an abstract service. For example, a service formed by an unbound application in the OCAP (Open Cable Application Platform) standard belongs to this service.

  A non-abstract service can be understood as the rest of the service excluding the abstract service.

  In the present invention, independence can be given to each of the abstract service and the non-abstract service. For example, an abstract service may be set directly on an output screen without going through a logical screen, and a non-abstract service may be mapped to an output screen that is represented on the logical screen and set with an abstract service. Then, the output screen can be output through a display screen, whereby an abstract service and a non-abstract service can be independently expressed on one output screen. Further, after both abstract service and non-abstract service are mapped to separate logical screens, each logical screen may be mapped to one output screen. That is, the abstract service and the non-abstract service can be expressed on the output screen as independent forms.

  On the other hand, the logical screen and the output screen in the present invention may be defined as separate objects, but the 'screen' functions as a logical screen according to the attribute information of one object 'screen'. Or it functions as an output screen.

  That is, it can be known whether the screen is a logical screen or an output screen through the type information among the attribute information regarding the screen object.

  As such screen object attribute information, there are 'Type', 'z-Order', 'Display_Area', 'Visibility', 'Associated_Display_Screen', 'Associated_Service_Contexts', and 'Output' information.

  FIG. 5 shows the attribute information of the screen object and the type of interface for processing such attribute information.

  The 'Type' attribute 510 is attribute information indicating whether the screen is a logical screen or an output screen.

  The 'z-Order' attribute 520 is for determining the order on the z-axis when the logical screen is represented on the output screen. In FIG. 6, the logical screen is z-order on the output screen. It illustrates how it is indicated by the attribute.

  In FIG. 6, on the output screen 610, a first logical screen 620 and a second logical screen 630 are mapped and expressed in a certain area. At this time, the first logic screen 620 is represented on the output screen, and the second logic screen 630 is represented thereon. That is, the output screen 610, the first logical screen 620, and the second logical screen 630 are expressed in the z-axis direction. In such a case, the z-order attribute value of the first logical screen 620 is 1. In addition, the z-order attribute value of the second logical screen 620 may be set to 2. At this time, the z-order attribute value may be in any number or character form as long as it is information indicating the order in which the logical screen is expressed on the z-axis of the output screen.

  The 'Display_Area' attribute 530 means information about the area of the output screen that is output by mapping the logical screen to the output screen, which is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

  FIG. 7A shows that the logical screen 710 is mapped to the entire area of the output screen 720 and output, and FIG. 7B shows that the logical screen 730 is mapped to a partial area of the output screen 740 and output. Is shown.

  At this time, the information indicating the “Display_Area” attribute is two-dimensional coordinate information on the output screen, or can be expressed by a specific position on the output screen and an offset value from the specific position.

  The 'Visibility' attribute 540 is an attribute that determines whether a logical screen is displayed on the output screen, and changing this attribute value may indicate or eliminate the logical screen on the physical display screen. it can.

  The 'Associated_Display_Screen' attribute 550 represents identification information of an output screen connected to the corresponding logical screen. Logical screens that are not connected to an output screen are not shown on the display screen or sent to other external outputs.

  The 'Associated_Service_Contexts' attribute 560 represents information about the service context connected to the logical screen or the output screen itself, but the service set in the service context is represented on the logical screen or the output screen.

  The 'OutputPort' attribute 570 represents information about a target on which the output screen is output, and can include a display screen, a wired / wireless communication medium, various recording media, and the like as targets on which the output screen is output.

  On the other hand, an interface for checking or changing the value of the attribute information shown in FIG. 5 can be provided. Here, as shown in FIG. 'Set' interface for connecting with output screen, adding attribute information value or 'add' interface for connecting logical screen with service, 'get' interface for examining attribute information value, attribute There is a 'remove' interface for deleting information values. Such an interface can be understood as a process, a function, a procedure, a method, or the like that performs each function.

  For example, the 'setVisible (boolean visible)' method performs the function of showing or hiding the current logical screen. That is, the 'setVisible (boolean visible)' method can be understood as an interface for setting the 'Visibility' attribute. At this time, the parameter 'visible' represents attribute information indicating whether the current logical screen is displayed or hidden on an output screen associated with the current logical screen, and a data type thereof is a Boolean value. It is desirable.

  Also, when the 'setVisible (boolean visible)' method is performed, the current screen is not a logical screen, or the platform of the device that provides multiple screens has hardware or software characteristics, so that the 'visibility' attribute of the current screen is If it cannot be changed, an exception handling is performed.

  On the other hand, corresponding to the 'setVisible (boolean visible)' method, the 'getVisible (void)' method can be understood as an interface for acquiring the 'visibility' attribute information of the current screen. It can be determined whether the logical screen is shown on the output screen through the 'getVisible (void)' method, but it is desirable to continue showing it in the case of the output screen, which may be shown or hidden in the case of the logical screen. Good. The return value of the 'getVisible (void)' method is preferably a Boolean type.

  In situations where the 'setVisible (boolean visible)' method and the 'getVisible (void)' method are utilized as described above, any service may be shown on the display screen through a logical screen and at the user's selection, or Hidden.

  In addition, when a user intends to provide an arbitrary service periodically, for example, a terrestrial broadcasting service is provided through the first logical screen, and a data broadcasting service regarding stock information is provided through the second logical screen. Assuming that the 'Visibility' attribute information of the second logical screen is periodically changed, the user can be provided with stock information at regular time intervals while being provided with a terrestrial broadcasting service.

  As another example, the 'getDisplayScreen (void)' method performs the function of returning the output screen associated with the current screen. For example, if the current screen is a logical screen, the associated output screen is returned; if the current screen is an output screen, reference information about the current screen is returned, although the current screen is a logical screen. If there is no associated output screen, 'NULL' is returned.

  As yet another example, the 'public void setDisplayArea (HS Screen Rectangle rect), Throws SecurityException, IllegalStateException' method provides the ability to map the current logical screen to a predetermined area of the associated output screen. The instance provided as a parameter is' org. havi. The ui package is an 'HSScreen Rectangle' class type and has two-dimensional position information. Then, as exception processing for the ‘setOutputScreen (HSScreenscreen)’ method, a ‘SecurityException’ exception and an ‘IllegalStateException’ exception can be performed. The 'IllegalStateException' exception is raised when the current screen is not a logical screen, or because of hardware or software platform characteristics, the area of the output screen associated with the current logical screen is not changed.

  As yet another example, the 'getOutputArea (void)' method returns information about the current screen area to the form of the 'HSScreenRectangle' class. If the current screen is an output screen, it returns 'HScreenRectangle' information with the same value as 'HSScreenRectangle (0,0,1,1)', and if the current screen is a logical screen , Information about the area occupied by the logical screen in the associated output screen is returned. If the current screen is a logical screen but there is no associated output screen, the 'NULL' value is returned.

  Each interface name described above is merely a name for representing each function, and is not limited to the name but should be understood as the function.

  FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process in which two services are set on two logical screens, mapped to one output screen, and output. Referring to FIG. 8, the first service is a service in which all three types of service components of video / audio / data exist, and the second service is an example in which only the video component and the audio component exist. Is. Of course, in the present invention, there are no restrictions on the service component, and FIG. 8 shows one possible example.

  As can be seen from FIG. 8, the first service and the second service are shown on the display screen in a form similar to the conventional method. However, according to the present invention, a plurality of services can be displayed on the display screen through mapping without any number limitation. It can be expressed independently at various positions.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for providing a multi-screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the multi-screen providing apparatus 900 according to the present invention includes a digital signal processing module 940, a service processing module 950, an output module 960, and a user / application interface module 965.

  At this time, the broadcast signal receiving module 910, the recording medium 920, or the external input module 930 can be provided as a source for providing the service, and the display screen 970, the recording medium 980, or the external output module 990 as the medium from which the service is output. Can be provided.

  At this time, the term 'module' used in the present embodiment means software or a hardware component such as FPGA or ASIC, and the module plays a predetermined role. However, the module is not meant to be limited to software or hardware. The module may be configured to reside on an addressable recording medium and may be configured to play back one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, modules can be software components, object-oriented software components, components such as class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, micros. Includes codes, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided in the components and modules can be combined into fewer components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules. In addition, the components and modules may be implemented to play one or more CPUs in a device or secure multimedia card.

  The digital signal processing module 940 receives various configuration information, such as video information, audio information, or data information, that constitutes a service such as multimedia content from the broadcast signal receiving module 910, the recording medium 920, or the external input module 930. Receive.

  At this time, the broadcast signal receiving module 910 is a module that receives and transmits satellite, terrestrial, or cable broadcast signals, and the recording medium 920 stores video information, audio information, data information, or the like constituting the service. The external input module 930 may be understood as a module that receives and transmits video information, audio information, data information, or the like constituting a service from other devices connected to the network, such as a network interface module. .

  The digital signal processing module 940 restores a service using the received service component. At this time, a plurality of services can be restored. At this time, the restored service includes an abstract service or a non-abstract service.

  Here, “a plurality of services” may mean two or more services transmitted from the broadcast signal receiving module 910, for example, and two services transmitted from the broadcast signal receiving module 910 and the recording medium 920, respectively. It may mean the above services.

  Services restored in digital signal processing module 940 may be restored by user or application selection through user / application interface module 965. At this time, the user or the application can select which service is connected to which screen.

  The service processing module 950 generates a plurality of logical screens and output screens for representing the service restored by the digital signal processing module 940.

  The output module 960 maps and outputs the logical screen generated by the service processing module 950 to a predetermined area on the output screen. At this time, the mapping on the output screen may already be set or may be set by the user through the user / application interface module 965.

  Also, the service restored by the digital signal processing module 940 may be directly connected to the output screen and output from the output module 960 without being connected to the logical screen in the service processing module 950.

  The output screen by the output module 960 may be output through a physical display screen 970 or recorded on a recording medium 980. Here, the recording medium 980 can be read by a computer, and includes a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a BD (Blu-ray Disc), and a semiconductor memory.

  Further, it may be transmitted to other devices connected to the network through the external output module 990.

  To this end, the output module 960 can comprise multiple output ports to which an output screen is provided, but in such a case, it is specified through the already configured basic output port or user / application interface module 965. An output screen can be provided through the output port.

  A user or application can select or restore a desired service through the user / application interface module 965. In addition, the user or application may select an arbitrary output screen among the plurality of output screens through the user / application interface module 965.

  Since each module shown in FIG. 9 is illustrated as being separated according to its function, each module can be combined with another module in actual implementation.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for dynamically configuring multiple screens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In general, video information, audio information, data information, and the like constituting multimedia content are transmitted in a predetermined format such as an MPEG stream. Accordingly, a device that performs a service such as multimedia content receives the information as described above and restores the corresponding service (S1010). At this time, the service to be restored may be selected or preset by the user or application. The user can select which service is linked to which screen by using a menu or a remote control shown on the display screen, or an application using the API.

  On the other hand, the data information includes application information regarding an application program existing in the service, and such application information includes signal information indicating whether the application program can be performed on the PiP screen. Examples of application information include AIT (Application Information Table) based on the MHP standard and XAIT (eXtended Application Information Table) based on the OCAP standard. The signal information can be added to such application information.

  Next, the restored service is set to be represented by a logical screen according to the present invention (S1020), and the logical screen is mapped to an output screen according to the present invention (S1030), and then displayed through a display screen, a recording medium or a network. The output screen is provided (S1040).

  On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows that the restored service is provided through the output screen via the logical screen, but may be provided directly through the output screen without going through the logical screen.

  In addition, when the user selects the PiP service, the PiP service can be expressed as two modes. However, in the first mode, a separate logical screen for the PiP service, for example, a PiP screen is not generated, and the main mode is displayed. Only the video component of the PiP service selected on the screen is represented, and in the second mode, a separate logical screen for the PiP service is generated to represent the PiP service selected in the generated PiP screen.

  On the other hand, FIG. 10 illustrates a process in which one service is mapped to an output screen for convenience of explanation. However, a plurality of services can be directly or directly transmitted through a plurality of logical screens using screen attribute information. It can be mapped to any area within one output screen.

  Thus, if the output screen is provided through a display screen, the user or application can perform multiple services.

  FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a software architecture for providing multiple screens according to an implementation of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the software architecture 1100 according to the present invention includes a device driver layer 1110, an API layer 1120, and an application layer 1130.

  The device driver layer 1110 receives and decodes service components constituting a service from various sources providing multimedia content. At this time, examples of the service component include video information, audio information, or data information.

  The API layer 1120 generates logical screens and output screens, and performs mapping between services, logical screens, and output screens.

  The application layer 1130 may provide a user interface that allows a user to dynamically configure a logical screen on which a service is represented, or may transmit a user command to the API layer 1120 to perform an operation according to the command. .

  On the other hand, the user can make the device driver layer 1110 through the application layer 1130 and output the output screen through a physical display screen or record it on a recording medium. The device driver layer 1110 can also transmit the output screen to other devices via the network.

  To this end, the device driver layer 1110 may include a plurality of output ports that provide the output screen, but a plurality of output ports may exist in the API layer 1120.

  On the other hand, in order to dynamically configure multiple logical screens on the output screen, the API layer 1120 may include multiple software modules, but here the 'MultiScreenManager' module, the 'MultiScreenContext' module, the 'MultiScreenContextListener' The “module” and the “MultiScreenContextEvent” module will be described as an example, and the relationship between such modules is shown in FIG.

  The 'MultiScreenManager' module 1210 manages the 'MultiScreenContext' module and searches for a desired screen, informs device sharing information between screens, or plays a role of registering or canceling the 'MultiScreenContextListener' module 1250.

  The 'MultiScreenContext' module 1230 is an interface object associated with the screen object 1220, and the type of the screen object is determined as a logical screen and an output screen according to the interface operation of the 'MultiScreenContext' module 1230. Attribute information can be set. The ‘set’, ‘add’, ‘get’ and ‘remove’ interfaces may be provided by the ‘MultiScreenContext’ module 1230.

  The 'MultiScreenContextEvent' module 1240 is an event class for notifying when the attribute information of the screen object 1220 is changed by the 'MultiScreenContext' interface object 1230. A listener interface object that can be implemented in a predetermined application class to be received.

  On the other hand, the application 1260 is a module that operates in the application layer 1130, and allows the user to select a desired service and freely arrange a plurality of logical screens in a desired form on the output screen.

  Therefore, if the user transmits an instruction regarding dynamically arranging and managing the logical screen to the MultiScreenManager module 1210, the MultiScreenManager module 1210 performs an operation corresponding to the instruction through the MultiScreenContext module 1230. Make it.

  Meanwhile, the MultiScreenContext module 1230 can manage attribute information of the screen object 1220 shown in FIG. 5 in association with the screen object 1220, and can include various functions or methods for such management.

  Meanwhile, the MultiScreenManager module 1210 may receive service components provided from various sources from the device driver layer 1110 and operate to be represented as a logical screen or an output screen. Of course, such a function may be performed through a separate module (not shown).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying a plurality of services on an output screen through a logical screen by each module illustrated in FIG.

  First, the MultiScreenManager module 1210 generates one output screen and as many logical screens as the number of services to be performed (S1310).

  Next, the MultiScreenManager module 1210 links each logical screen with the service received from the device driver layer 1110 (S1320). At this time, the 'addServiceContext' method of the logical screen object can be called for each logical screen using the service context object for the service to be linked as a parameter. Here, the 'addServiceContext' method is understood as a method for performing a function of connecting a logical screen and a service, and can be provided by the MultiScreenContext module 1230.

  If the logical screen and the service are connected, the MultiScreenManager module 1210 connects each logical screen with the output screen (S1330). At this time, for each logical screen, the ‘setDisplayScreen’ method of the logical screen object can be called with the output screen object to be connected as a parameter. Here, the 'setDisplayScreen' method is understood as a method for performing a function of connecting a logical screen and an output screen, and can be provided by the MultiScreenContext module 1230.

  For example, the 'setDisplayScreenDisplayDisplayScreen' method is an instance of 'public void setDisplayScreen (HSScreen screen) throw SecurityException, IllegalState provide. At this time, the 'HSScreen' instance is preferably an output screen.

  The parameter of the 'setDisplayScreen (HSScreen screen)' method may include 'NULL'. In this case, if the 'setDisplayScreen (HSScreen screen)' method is executed without exception handling, the current logical screen is , No more associated with the output screen.

  Then, as exception processing for the ‘setDisplayScreen (HSScreen screen)’ method, a ‘SecurityException’ exception and an ‘IllegalStateException’ exception are performed.

  The 'IllegalStateException' exception is that the current screen is not a logical screen, or the output screen provided for a parameter due to the characteristics of the hardware or software platform is associated with a specific logical screen, and the current logical screen falls under the parameter This is done when it cannot be associated with the output screen.

  If the service and the logical screen, and the plurality of logical screens and one output screen are connected, an output screen area in which each logical screen is represented is set (S1340). At this time, a method provided by the MultiScreenContext module 1230 can be called to set the area shown in the output screen for each logical screen.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of exchanging services represented on the logical screen by the modules illustrated in FIG.

  First, the MultiScreenManager module 1210 temporarily suspends the services existing on the two logical screens where the services are exchanged with each other (S1410).

  Next, the service information linked to the two logical screens is exchanged (S1420). At this time, the service context set in the logical screen can be exchanged by calling the 'removeServiceContext' method and the 'addServiceContext' method for each of the two logical screen objects. Here, the 'removeServiceContext' method is understood as a method for performing a function for removing a service context connected to a logical screen, and the 'addServiceContext' method is a method for performing a function for adding a new service context to the logical screen. It is understood that the 'removeServiceContext' method and the 'addServiceContext' method may be provided by the MultiScreenContext module 1230. That is, in the present invention, not only the effect of exchanging the main screen and the sub screen with each other by exchanging information about services connected to the logical screen, but also, for example, three or more services are displayed on the display screen. Services can be exchanged between any number of logical screens, even during execution.

  If the service information connected to the two logical screens is exchanged, an event that the connection between the service and the logical screen is changed is generated (S1430). 'The execution of the service transmitted to the module 1250 and newly connected to the two logical screens is resumed (S1440).

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the technical ideas and essential features of the present invention. You will understand that it can be done. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all aspects and not limiting.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of services obtained from cables, satellites, terrestrial broadcasts, various recording media, external inputs, and the like can be expressed in various forms through a physical display screen.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a form in which a PiP screen is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a relationship between a logical screen and an output screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an example of a source providing a service according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an example of an abstract service and a non-abstract service according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an example of an abstract service and a non-abstract service according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exemplary diagram showing attribute information and interface types on a logical screen and an output screen. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a 'z-order' attribute of a logical screen. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a “Display_Area” attribute of a logical screen. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a “Display_Area” attribute of a logical screen. FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process in which two services are mapped to one output screen and output. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for providing a multiple screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for dynamically configuring multiple screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a software architecture for providing multiple screens according to an implementation of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a relationship between modules constituting an API layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying a plurality of services on an output screen through a logical screen by each module illustrated in FIG. 12 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of exchanging services represented on a logical screen by each module illustrated in FIG. 12 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (27)

A digital signal processing module that receives video information, audio information, or data information and restores a service based on the video information, the audio information, or the data information;
A service processing module for generating a logical screen representing the restored service;
An output module that maps the generated plurality of logical screens in different positions in an output screen; and
An apparatus for providing a multiple screen including attribute information indicating whether the logical screen is displayed on the output screen.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attribute information is set by an interface.   The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the interface performs exception handling when the current screen is not a logical screen.   The apparatus for providing a multi-screen according to claim 2, wherein the interface performs an exception process when the attribute information cannot be changed on a current screen.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attribute information is provided by an interface that acquires the attribute information.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attribute information is periodically changed. A service processing module that generates a logical screen on which a service is represented and associates the generated logical screen with the service to produce an output screen on which the generated logical screen is represented;
An output module that maps the generated logical screen to a predetermined area in the output screen;
An apparatus for providing a multiple screen having attribute information indicating whether the logical screen is displayed on the output screen.   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the service includes at least one of video information, audio information, and data information.   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the attribute information is set by an interface.   The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the interface performs exception handling when the current screen is not a logical screen.   The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the interface performs exception handling when the attribute information cannot be changed on a current screen.   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the attribute information is provided by an interface that acquires the attribute information.   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the attribute information is periodically changed. A digital signal processing module that receives video information, audio information or data information and restores services;
A service processing module for generating a logical screen representing the restored service;
An output module for mapping the generated logical screen to a predetermined area in the output screen;
An apparatus for providing a multiple screen having attribute information indicating whether the logical screen is displayed on the output screen. Receiving video information, audio information or data information;
Restoring a plurality of services based on the video information, the audio information or the data information;
Generating a logical screen representing the restored service;
Mapping the generated plurality of logical screens in different positions in an output screen;
A method of dynamically configuring multiple screens having attribute information indicating whether the logical screen is displayed on the output screen.   The method of claim 15, wherein the attribute information is set by an interface.   The method of claim 16, wherein the interface performs exception handling when the current screen is not a logical screen.   The method according to claim 16, wherein the interface performs exception processing when the attribute information cannot be changed on a current screen.   The method of claim 15, wherein the attribute information is provided by an interface that acquires the attribute information.   The method of claim 15, wherein the attribute information is periodically changed. Generating a logical screen representing a plurality of services and an output screen representing a plurality of logical screens;
Mapping the generated logical screen to a predetermined area in the generated output screen;
A method of dynamically configuring multiple screens having attribute information indicating whether the logical screen is displayed on the output screen.   The method of claim 21, wherein each service includes at least one of video information, audio information, and data information.   The method of claim 21, wherein the attribute information is set by an interface.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the interface performs exception handling when the current screen is not a logical screen.   24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the interface performs exception handling when the attribute information cannot be changed on a current screen.   The method of claim 21, wherein the attribute information is provided by an interface that acquires the attribute information.   The method of claim 21, wherein the attribute information is periodically changed.